KEYTAKEAWAYS
-
Key macro events dominate: April CPI data (May 13) and SEC tokenization roundtable (May 12) may sway crypto markets amid inflation and regulation uncertainty.
-
Major token unlocks ahead: WBT (1.19B),ARB(42.3M), and AVAX ($41.5M) releases could pressure prices unless offset by bullish demand.
-
Fed policy in focus: Powell’s speech (May 15) and CPI data may hint at rate-cut timing, impacting crypto’s risk-asset appeal.
CONTENT
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS: MAY 12–18, 2025 (MACRO + ON-CHAIN EVENTS)
May 12 (Monday)
-
The U.S. SEC will hold a closed-door roundtable on asset tokenization, focusing on the integration of TradFi and DeFi.
-
Snapshot for the TRUMP dinner leaderboard: Top 220 holders will qualify for a dinner with Donald Trump.
May 13 (Tuesday)
-
Binance will launch its Alpha Points spending mechanism.
-
WhiteBIT Coin (WBT) will unlock 39.5 million tokens at 08:00, worth approximately $1.19 billion, representing 27.41% of circulating supply.
-
The U.S. will release April CPI data, including Core CPI and Headline CPI.
May 14 (Wednesday)
-
Vaulta will rename its token from EOS to A.
May 15 (Thursday)
-
Obol, a distributed validator infrastructure, will hold its Token Generation Event (TGE).
-
Solayer will unlock Q2 tokens, 100% allocated for ecosystem incentives.
-
The U.S. will release Initial Jobless Claims data.
-
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a speech.
May 16 (Friday)
-
Galaxy plans to pursue a Nasdaq listing.
-
Arbitrum (ARB) will unlock 92.65 million tokens at 21:00, valued at approximately $42.3 million, making up 1.95% of circulating supply.
May 17 (Saturday)
-
Deadline for Resolv airdrop registration.
-
Avalanche (AVAX) will unlock 1.67 million tokens at 08:00, worth around $41.5 million, accounting for 0.4% of circulating supply.
May 18 (Sunday)
- MELANIA will unlock tokens worth approximately $10.4 million.
KEY EVENTS TO WATCH THIS WEEK
US April CPI Data
The key macro focus this week will be the release of April’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data on Tuesday. Both headline and core CPI will be closely watched as investors look for confirmation that inflation is cooling.
A weaker-than-expected CPI print could revive hopes for rate cuts as early as September, particularly as recent growth and labor indicators have shown signs of softening. Conversely, any upside surprise may reinforce a higher-for-longer Fed stance.
This data will likely have a direct impact on U.S. Treasury yields, the U.S. dollar index, and equity risk appetite. For crypto markets, falling inflation would support a more accommodative macro backdrop, which may encourage renewed inflows into digital assets.
SEC Closed-Door Roundtable on Asset Tokenization
On Monday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will hold a private roundtable focused on asset tokenization — a key topic as traditional finance (TradFi) continues to explore blockchain-based settlement systems and tokenized securities.
Although not a public event, any leaks or post-meeting statements could significantly influence sentiment, especially regarding regulatory clarity for Real-World Assets (RWAs) and DeFi protocols.
This comes amid growing calls for regulatory reform in the U.S., as jurisdictions like Dubai and Singapore gain traction by providing clearer frameworks.
Market participants will be watching for any signs that the SEC is softening its stance or preparing to outline new guidelines, which could catalyze sentiment across both tokenization-focused protocols and U.S.-based crypto assets.
Major Token Unlocks: WBT, ARB, AVAX
This week features several large-scale token unlock events that could impact short-term price action:
- May 13: WhiteBIT Coin (WBT) will unlock 39.5 million tokens (~$1.19B), equal to 27.41% of circulating supply.
- May 16: Arbitrum (ARB) unlocks 92.65 million tokens (~$42.3M), or 1.95% of supply.
- May 17: Avalanche (AVAX) unlocks 1.67 million tokens (~$41.5M), roughly 0.4% of supply.
These unlocks represent significant liquidity inflows, especially in the case of WBT. While some tokens may be reserved for internal use or incentives, the market will likely price in selling pressure. Historically, such unlocks lead to short-term weakness unless offset by strong bullish catalysts.
Investors should watch on-chain metrics such as token flows to exchanges, and project-specific announcements, to assess real impact.
WEEKLY SUMMARY
This week presents a crucial mix of macro data, regulatory movement, and on-chain activity — all of which could heavily sway market sentiment.
The U.S. April CPI data stands out as the primary macro trigger, with inflation trends likely to determine how soon the Fed might pivot toward rate cuts.
A dovish read could lower bond yields and boost risk assets, while stickier inflation may cause renewed volatility.
Meanwhile, the SEC’s roundtable on tokenization marks a potential turning point for crypto regulation in the U.S., particularly for institutional adoption of blockchain-based assets.
Finally, major token unlocks — led by WBT, ARB, and AVAX — will test market absorption capacity amid still-fragile liquidity conditions.
With both macro and crypto-specific risks in play, investors are advised to stay cautious, manage leverage carefully, and remain attentive to real-time developments that may shift sentiment quickly.
